Medical Politics

Health Politics. Politics affects health, hospital management, physicians and patients in a big way. Dr. David Samadi will explore major national and global health political issues and debates affecting the patient outcome. Learn what you need to know and get Dr. Samadi's take.

HEALTH POLITICS

U.S. tobacco companies on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration hoping to stop the agency from enforcing a directive on changes to a tobacco product’s labeling or quantity

Legionnaires’ disease has killed a total of 12 people in the South Bronx of New York ever since the outbreak began on July 10th. However, according to the New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, the outbreak is on the decline. He said there have been no new reported cases in a week. The most recent case of the illness was reported over a week ago. So far in New York, there have been a total of 113 cases of Legionnaires’ disease since July. And among those people who have been hospitalized, 76 had been released from the hospital since the beginning of this week.

A group of 118 leading cancer experts have developed a list of proposals designed to reduce the cost of cancer drugs. Also in support of a grassroots patient protest movement to pressure drug companies to charge what they deem a fair value for treatments. Experts include former presidents of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. An insured cancer patient who needs a drug that costs $120,000 a year would pay as much as $30,000 in out-of-pocket costs, which is more than half of the average U.S. household income of $52,000.

The Food and Drug Administration is strengthening warnings on some common painkillers saying they cause increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The FDA conducted a review on new safety information and now want the drug makers to change the warning labels on certain NSAIDs. NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are over-the-counter or prescription medications such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naprosyn, or Celebrex.

Heroin use has been increasing at an alarming rate. The number of people who have died as a result of heroin use has nearly quadrupled in the last decade. What is the reason for the significant increase in heroin deaths? Firstly, the drug is getting cheaper. Secondly, more and more people are becoming addicted to prescription painkillers after having surgery or simply taking them for recreational use. Many people often end up using heroin once their doctor will no longer provide them with a prescription.

Lawmakers have taken first step in limiting vaccination exemptions for schoolchildren. Bill approved late June. Prohibits parents from stopping their children from being vaccinated for personal or religious reasons.

Over Fourth of July weekend, bystanders watched and laughed while a tourist in Cincinnati was viciously beaten. Last week, a suicidal woman in China jumped from a tenth floor window while crowds below encouraged her decision. And back in March, four teen girls attacked another young female at a Brooklyn McDonald’s as dozens of people stood around and watched. While the brutality and viciousness of these stories are shocking, what’s even more shocking is the fact that each of them involve people either standing around watching, laughing, or cheering on these people in serious distress and need of help.